My thesis in 180 seconds – 2026 edition: Take up the challenge!
Summarizing several years of research in just three minutes, in a clear and entertaining way, in front of a jury of experts and a non-specialist audience: this is the challenge set for doctoral students at PSL University as part of the international competition My Thesis in 180 Seconds.
Tailor-made training
This competition is much more than just a public performance: it allows doctoral students to hone their ability to explain and communicate their research in an accessible way. This approach strengthens exchanges with the general public and increases the visibility of their work.
To maximize their chances of success, the PSL University Doctoral College offers candidates dedicated training and tailored support to help them prepare for the competition.
The training course is entitled “Communicating clearly and effectively about your doctoral research to a non-expert audience and preparing for MT180” and will take place over three days.
Day 1: Discovering the basics of science communication
Day 2: Discovering techniques for engaging your audience
Day 3: Preparing for MT180
Registration for the training program is primarily intended for doctoral students:
- Enrolled in the second year of a doctoral program at a PSL University component institution for the 2025-2026 academic year;
- Or who obtained a doctoral degree from PSL University during the 2024-2025 academic year;
- Who have informed their thesis supervisor and/or funder and their unit director of their participation in the competition;
- Who have oral proficiency in French;
- Who commit to attending the ENTIRE training program;
- Who have made sufficient progress in their doctoral research project;
- Be available to participate on the dates mentioned in the calendar until the international final in September or October 2026.
Selection will be based on the following criteria: Priority given to doctoral students in their second year or above; Candidate motivation; Order in which applications are received; Where possible, a balance between disciplines and between women and men.
Doctoral students wishing to take this training course as part of their participation in the competition should register on ADUM, specifying the purpose of their registration in the space provided on the form (“motivation” section).
(Before December 15, 2025)
The 2025 training and competition schedule:
- Monday, November 3, through December 15, 2025: Registration open
- Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. via video conference: Competition presentation meeting
- Tuesday, February 17, Monday, March 2, Monday, March 9, 2026: Training days
- March 2026: PSL University final (be available all day)
- April 9, 2026: Regional final in Paris
- Spring 2026: National final (info to come)
- Fall 2026: International final (info to come)
The PSL final will select the five candidates who will represent PSL University in the Paris regional final.
The Paris regional final, which will bring together the PSL, ASPC, and SU groups, will select three finalists who will represent the Paris region in the national final.
The international final, to be held in fall 2026, will bring together the winners from the different countries participating in the competition.
Contact:
For any questions or information, please contact us.